Moyo makes history

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday October 4, 2010 00:00

 

The day was made more fabulous for Extension Gunners who managed to record their fourth straight win, beating Gaborone United (GU) 2-1 in an entertaining game played in an electrifying atmosphere.

Gunners' young striker, Hendrick Moyo, made history by scoring the first goal at the new stadium within only 12 minutes of the game. Moyo received a pass from the middle of the pack and with GU defenders sleeping, the national Under-23 striker created space for himself before placing the ball past goalkeeper Kgosietsile Senjoba.

Wild celebrations erupted on the stands as the young striker was joined by his teammates in a pantsula dance near the corner flag. It was an emotional moment for those close to Mapantsula as they embraced each other.

It was the 21-year-old striker's second goal of the season but surely this one will remain embedded in his mind forever. 'I can't believe that I'm the one who scored the first goal in that stadium.

'The goal has boosted my confidence ahead of our game against Namibia (Olympic qualifier this weekend). When I walked into the stadium, I wanted to show the football community that I deserve to play for Gunners and Under-23.

'I know some people have been questioning my potential but I guess I have convinced them,' he said. The Matobo-born striker dedicated the goal to the supporters who thronged to the game.

Gunners' captain Ofentse Mmipi put an icing on the cake with the second goal which left everyone at the stadium calling for more.  Mmipi found himself unmarked outside the box and his half volley sailed into the roof of the net leaving Senjoba sprawled on the turf. 'We came into the game knowing that GU would want to revenge having beaten them twice last season. We didn't want to disappoint our fans on a big day and the morale was high in the dressing room prior to kick-off. As for the goal, it's something we have been practising at training and on the day, I was lucky to hit the target,' said Mmipi.

While the Gunners' players and supporters were in a jovial mood, GU coach Mike Sithole was fuming. He blamed referee Uyapo Julius for intimidating his players by flashing cards.

'The game was 50/50 but I was disappointed with the referee. He intimidated my players and they were afraid to go into tackles,' he said. Three GU players were cautioned on the day with Thebe Maiketso and Given Mpundu getting yellow cards in the opening half while Ronald Chikomo was booked six minutes into the second half.

Maiketso was lucky to remain on the field for a deliberate hand ball in the second half. Sithole said that the defeat was a wake-up call for them because the last time they won the league (2008-2009 season), they only lost one game.

Team line-ups;GU: Senjoba, Gabriel Bokhutlo, Chafiwa Kgaswane, Musa Ohilwe, Mpundu, Ofentse Nato (Selefa 12), Tshepo Molefe (Mpho Mabogo 75), Mandla Mgadla (Steven Maposa 54), Sageby Sandaka, Maiketso, Chikomo.

Gunners: Raphael Nthwane, Finkie Mothibi, Martin Mathongwane, Kenny Ramodisa, Lorato Mokalake, Kemmy Pilato, Maano Ditshupo, Mmipi, Tiroyamodimo Mohambi (Monageng Thaele 86), Moyo, Kgololo Leteane (Letlhogonolo Mosala 90)

Man Of The Match: Ofentse Mmipi

Cautions: Maiketso 28, Mpundu 32, Mothibi 36, Chikomo 51, Nthwane 56, Pilato 61

Referee: Uyapo Julius

Assistant Referees: Jackson Simon and Elijah Masitha

Fourth Official: Moletlanyi Keoagile

Match rating: 8/10